What role does fear, physical limitations, and personal motivation play in pursuing movement-based activities as one ages?
Jean Lam reflects on how she became interested in fitness and eventually joined the industry, her love of movement, and what sports and activities she is involved in now. Jean discusses corrective exercise, and shares her insights on programming, motivation, and scope of practice. She goes into injury and rehab, before explaining how she keeps up with coaching best practices.
I think that failure is part of the equation. If everything you do guarantees success, you’re not going to ever expand and do more.
~ Jean Lam (14:20)
Jean Lam discusses her journey from being a self-described couch potato to becoming deeply involved in movement-based activities such as parkour, skiing, and aerial silks. She shares how discovering jazzercise in her twenties helped her lose weight and sustain her fitness for over 30 years. Jean emphasizes the importance of finding joy in physical activities and explains how parkour became a fun and functional way to apply the strength she built through traditional gym workouts. She reflects on how women can be inspired by seeing others engage in movement and how visibility plays a role in motivating participation.
Jean delves into the psychological aspects of fear and adrenaline in sports, contrasting her controlled approach with the more extreme pursuits of others. She highlights her involvement with PK Silver, a program designed to teach older adults parkour-inspired movement. Jean discusses the importance of addressing physical dysfunctions through corrective exercise, focusing on mobility and prehab. She stresses the need for fitness professionals to stay within their scope of practice and explains how she continuously educates herself to provide safe, science-based programming for clients.
Takeaways
Fear as a limiting factor — Addressing fear helps expand comfort zones and prevent further restriction of movement.
The role of fun in fitness — Enjoyable activities sustain long-term engagement with physical exercise.
Corrective exercise — Addressing physical dysfunctions is essential for safe and effective movement, especially as the body ages.
Scope of practice — Fitness professionals must recognize boundaries between training and medical treatment to avoid harm.
Motivation through community — Seeing others engage in movement inspires peers to take action and pursue their own fitness goals.
Aging and movement — Fitness routines should adapt to the needs of older adults by incorporating mobility and stability exercises.
Overcoming injuries — Recovery from acute injuries involves patience and may change how training is approached.
PK Silver programming — Teaching older adults movement-based skills involves addressing confidence, fear, and functional limitations.
Progression and adaptability — Programming for clients should evolve based on their capabilities, ensuring movements match their current physical state.
Physical limitations and self-awareness — Understanding personal limitations helps prevent injury and supports sustainable fitness progress.
Resources
PK Move — A non-profit dedicated to teaching parkour to all ages, including the PK Silver program for older adults.
Conversation with Fear — Mermer Blakeslee’s book exploring the psychology of fear and strategies for confronting it in sports and life.
Barbell Physio — A resource for strength and mobility training, founded by a physical therapist with a focus on functional movement.
Shift Movement Science — Provides educational resources on gymnastics and physical therapy for athletes.
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) — Organization offering certifications in corrective exercise and fitness specializations.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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